A/N: Hello my good readers! I'm a bit behind from the schedule – well, I would if I had a schedule. Here's the longest chapter yet (over 12k words, and dear god it was a nightmare to re-read…)! Let me know what you thought about it :)

Without further ado, happy reading!

Chapter 33: Their last journey

June 17th 1978 (Saturday)

All of a sudden it was there. The day of their graduation. Even though the seventh year Gryffindors had been waiting for this day more than anything, it suddenly felt like it was too fast upon them. Were they ready for the 'real world'? Ready to leave Hogwarts? The home they'd had for the past seven years... Hermione reckoned it was as terrifying as it was exciting.

The ceremony was to begin shortly after breakfast, followed by a lunch where the graduating students' friends and families would be attending as well. Later that night the seventh years would celebrate in the Great Hall without parents and teachers – they were after all both qualified and of age, and no longer students needing chaperones.

The end-of-year feast had been held the night before, and the rest of the students were leaving Hogwarts, and towards their homes on Saturday after breakfast. The graduating students would have the entire Hogwarts Express for themselves on Sunday, when they would journey home.

Hermione and her roommates spent the morning getting ready, and after a quick breakfast in the Great Hall, the seventh year Gryffindors dashed back to their dormitories to change into their best and cleanest school robes.

"This is so surreal…" Hermione muttered to no one particular as their group descended the stairs from the Gryffindor Tower.

Sirius glanced at her. "What's so surreal about this? Didn't think you'd survive the year with us?" He asked with a teasing smile as they walked side by side, with the rest of their friends ahead of them.

Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Something like that," she said softly.

"Aww, kitten." Sirius said and smirked as he threw an arm around her and squeezed her against him.

As they reached the ground floor, their families were already swarming into the Entrance Hall from the open front doors of the castle. Hermione saw her friends heading towards their respective families amongst the sea of people, and spotted Ab in one corner. He was chatting with James's parents, looking rather uncomfortable in the midst of all the people, his eyes darting around the hall every now and then. Hermione smiled and made her way towards them.

"Hey," Hermione said cheerfully to Aberforth, giving him a quick hug while Mr. and Mrs. Potter greeted Sirius, who had arrived with Hermione.

"Hi there. You excited?" Ab asked with a small smirk playing on his lips.

Hermione shrugged. "A bit."

"Nothing you can't handle," He said reassuringly. "And you've met the Potters?" He grunted, gesturing at James's parents, who eyed them kindly.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, we've met," she said, nodding at them in greeting.

"And it is delightful to meet you again, Miss Dumbledore." Mrs. Potter said, eyeing Hermione attentively.

"Likewise, Mrs. Potter. And please, call me Hermione." Hermione said with a smile.

Mrs. Potter nodded. "You know, Sirius has told us a lot about you…" She said with a knowing smirk. Hermione glanced at the boy in question, her brows lifted in suspicion.

"Mum…" Sirius grumbled warningly. Mrs. Potter merely smiled at him.

James cleared his throat. "As lovely as it is to mess with Sirius, I want you to meet Lily's parents." James said, addressing his parents and dragged them away, leaving Hermione, Sirius and Aberforth behind.

"Um. Good to see you again, sir," Sirius greeted Ab, who took his outstretched hand and shook it with an expressionless face.

"You too, lad." He said gruffly.

"How's the business?" Sirius asked politely.

Ab merely shrugged, his eyes fixed on the raven-haired wizard. Hermione tried not to snort. It seemed that Ab was being deliberately difficult, and wanted to grill Sirius for some reason. But for Sirius's benefit, he remained mostly unaffected.

A moment after McGonagall called the graduating students to form a line in front of the Great Hall, facing the audience. Some of the families and friends had already stepped inside the Great Hall and taken their seats amongst the small tables that were scattered around the hall, replacing the usual four long house tables.

The Hall was decorated with all four house colours. The tablecloths were bronze with blue details and the chairs were adorned with blue lamour covers and bronze sashes. The table centrepieces were made of green flowers and the cutlery, goblets and plates were all silver. There were red and gold drapes covering the high walls of the Great Hall, and yellow and black candles placed on every table and floating over the Hall.

When everyone had taken their seats, the seventh-year students all received their certificates and praises from the Headmaster and their professors. Dumbledore gave a long and slightly ponderous speech, and finally when he was done, everyone broke into loud applause, whooping and cheering as the now graduated students walked to their families.

Hermione, Sirius and James sat with Aberforth and James's parents for the ceremonial lunch, while their friends sat with their respective families at other small tables. The food was excellent; clearly the Hogwarts' house-elves had done some of their best work, creating an exquisite six-course meal for them to enjoy.

"So, Hermione. Have you already formed plans for your future?" Mr. Potter asked as he took a sip of elf-made wine from his goblet.

Hermione chewed the piece of her smoked salmon and dabbed her mouth with a napkin before she replied. "Yes, actually. I'm starting an apprenticeship as a potioneer in a private company." She said primly.

Mr. Potter's brows shot up in curiosity. "Brilliant. I don't know if you already knew, but I am somewhat of a potioneer myself. Or at least I was when I was younger. Now it is merely a hobby of mine." He said and chuckled.

Hermione nodded. Of course she knew that James's father was an accomplished potioneer, and the developer of the Sleekeazy's Hair Potion.

"Who are you going to work with?" He asked casually.

"Invictus Viridian. Or at least, at his company." Hermione replied cordially. She glanced at Sirius and James, who were murmuring something to each other, not taking part in the conversation.

"Oh! That's something," Mrs. Potter said with an impressed look. Ab eyed Hermione with a proud look in his eyes.

"Indeed it is." Mr. Potter agreed, lifting his goblet to toast in her honour. "Congratulations, Hermione," He said with a warm smile.

Hermione felt heat rising to her face and smiled shyly. "Thank you."

"Weren't you friends with his son, Ab?" Mr. Potter turned to Aberforth with a small frown between his brows. "I vaguely remember you two causing disorder when I attended Hogwarts," He chuckled.

Hermione listened to the conversation with curiosity. She knew James's parents were elderly, but she hadn't realised Mr. Potter had actually attended Hogwarts at the same time as Ab had.

Hermione turned to look at Ab, her brows lifted in amusement.

Aberforth's mouth curved a bit. "Yes, that would be correct," he muttered.

Mr. Potter laughed cheerfully while Ab chuckled, shrugging innocently at Hermione when she gave him a mildly withering look.

"And I can't believe these two mischief-makers are going to train to become Aurors," Mr. Potter said to the boys, eyeing them fondly. James flashed his father a guileless grin, which Sirius mirrored expertly. Mrs. Potter gave them a mildly exasperated look, seeing right through them.

Later that day, after saying their goodbyes to their families, Hermione and her friends were packing their belongings before they would start to get ready for their graduation party. It was a tearful event; packing their school trunks for the last time and spending some of their last moments in the familiar, warm dormitory as they reminisced the past year. How was it over already? Had it been almost a year since Hermione had come to this time? She barely remembered her old life anymore.

It was there, somewhere deep in her mind, and when she really thought about it, she could see it as clearly as what she now saw. For some time now, Hermione had been determined to search for her parents once she had left Hogwarts, and had decided that she would start after settling into her new home. She hoped that finding her parents would give her some answers, and perhaps bring her closer to something…but she wasn't sure what exactly.

"Have you talked with Snape, Lils?" Mary asked as she organised her school robes into her trunk.

Lily gave Mary a puzzled look, as did Hermione and Alice. "Why do you ask?" The redhead asked suspiciously.

Mary shrugged. "I dunno, he was just staring at you a lot during the lunch…" She said, frowning slightly.

Lily sighed. "Well, yes, we've talked a bit…" She said unsurely, glancing at Hermione. "I'm, um…going to meet him during the summer." She said with a tight smile.

Alice lifted her brows but said nothing.

"Was that why you and James had that fight last month?" Mary asked carefully.

Lily blanched and was silent for a moment. "Yes," she said quietly. "James thinks that…um…Sev has…feelings for me. That he is in love with me," she said with a slight cringe. Mary and Alice shared a meaningful look.

Hermione had been listening to the conversation until this moment, but decided to speak. "And what do you think?" She asked from Lily. Hermione had suspected it herself; she'd seen how Snape looked at Lily.

Lily worried her lip. "Well…I guess I've always known," she said with a weary sigh. "I think I just thought that if I'd ignore it, he would realise I just wanted to be his friend, you know?" She said, her brows furrowed as she eyed the girls.

Hermione and Alice nodded sympathetically, while Mary shook her head.

"That's bullshit." Mary said bitterly. "I'm just sick of it how people won't tell how they really feel, you know?"

Even though Lily seemed a bit taken aback from Mary's reply, she knew they weren't talking about her anymore. Hermione sighed inwardly. She needed to talk with Remus.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Alice asked hesitantly, eyeing Mary with a sad smile.

"No, not really." Mary grumbled. "By the way, have I told you how glad I am that you two don't have dates to the party tonight? I'm quite sure I would've jumped into the Great Lake with a ball and chain attached to my leg if I had been surrounded only by snogging couples." Mary said to Hermione and Alice, and smirked when Lily looked a bit affronted. "The one's enough," She winked at the redhead.

Lily huffed and shook her head with mild amusement.

"Fuck…I solemnly swear that I ate everything I could," Sirius grunted as he rolled to lie down on his bed, turning on his side to feel more comfortable.

Equal sounds of discomfort were voiced from James's, Remus's and Peter's beds. The boys had been packing their things in their dormitory, and when they had stumbled on the enormous stash of chocolate that Remus had been keeping in his drawers and trunk, they'd decided to have a sort of an…eating game.

The thought had occurred when Remus had urged everyone to eat as much as they could, since he wouldn't be able to take everything with him to Germany, where he would be going with Belby in a couple of days. The next full moon was on Tuesday, and Remus had already taken the Wolfsbane potion, supplied by Belby, every day since last Tuesday. He was leaving on Monday evening, with an international Portkey Belby had given him, and thus going to be staying only one night in his new home with Hermione.

"Don't complain, Pads. You're not the one who has to down that fucking appalling potion," Remus wheezed from his bed after drinking his dosage of the day.

James leaned up on his elbows in his bed. "You can still get sozzled tonight, right?" He asked with a hint of worry in his features.

Remus gave him a weak laugh. "Yeah, well, not as pissed as you and Pads will undoubtedly be, but Belby said a small amount of alcohol wouldn't render his potion ineffective," he muttered as he lay back down on his bed, his eyes closed.

After a short rest, the boys continued packing their belongings and started to get ready for their graduation party.

The Great Hall was decorated with the same colours and embellishments as it had been at the ceremony, but with smaller and fewer tables, as there were only less than forty of them. Lily and James had organised the party again, and the Head students held a quick speech in front of their peers, welcoming everyone to their last dinner at Hogwarts, and urging them to find a place to sit and order their foods from the menus that were placed on the tables. The Head students also encouraged everyone to mingle after dinner, as it was one of their last moments together.

Hermione, Remus, Peter and Sirius were sitting at one table, while James, Lily, Mary and Alice were situated at another. Hermione glanced at her menu and decided on crab canapés for appetizer. She voiced her order to the menu, as did the others around her, and the food appeared on her plate. Hermione vaguely remembered her fourth year, when they had attended the Yule ball, and there had been a similar arrangement with the dinner. She remembered having a great time at the ball with Viktor, and even sharing a couple of kisses with him – her first kisses for that matter – before Ron had ruined her night with his jealousy.

Hermione looked around the Hall. Mary and James were engrossed in an animated discussion about who-knows-what - probably Quidditch, as they were both fanatics - if the bored looks Lily and Alice gave them every now and then were any indication. Hermione's eyes travelled from table to table, until she saw Snape with a couple of Slytherins on a table furthest to theirs. Snape was gazing up at Lily's table, which wasn't that surprising. He then glanced at Hermione, as if he'd known she was looking at him. Snape gave her a subtle nod and looked quickly away.

"Can I have a piece?" Sirius asked her, eyeing the last piece of food on her plate, resembling slightly a dog that was begging for food.

Hermione smirked inwardly at her sense of humour and gave him an amused look. "By all means," she said, pushing her plate towards him.

Sirius winked at her as he snatched the food before the group ordered their main courses.

"So, you two gonna head straight to your new place tomorrow?" Sirius asked from Remus and Hermione, pouring elf-made wine into everyone's goblets.

"Yeah, that's the plan. I mean, I don't have much time to settle in, since I have to leave on Monday night, and I reckon we ought to go furniture shopping first thing on Monday morning, right, Hermione?" Remus said, and Hermione nodded in agreement.

"But I can take care of the furnishing if you want to unpack?" Hermione said with a warm smile.

"No, no. I can come too. I mean, you don't have to do everything by yourself, you know…" Remus said with a frown.

Hermione waved her hand. "It's no trouble. And, you know, I'll ask if Lily wants to come with me…I think she's probably free since her possible training in St Mungo's won't start until September…" Hermione said with a shrug.

Sirius turned to look at her. "What about me, kitten? I'm free." He said and lifted his brows knowingly.

Hermione huffed. "That is exactly the reason I'm not taking you. You'll drive me insane before the bedroom department," she said sternly.

"Oooh…I just literally made up at least ten ways to respond to that," Sirius said with a mischievous smile. "…Nope, fourteen."

Peter and Remus sniggered while Hermione scowled at Sirius. "And if you want to stay unharmed for the rest of the night, I suggest you just keep your sass to yourself." Hermione said warningly.

Sirius laughed heartily. "You know how I love to make witches mad," He said and winked at her.

Hermione gritted her teeth and took a calming breath.

"But if you really want to be helpful, Sirius, why don't you help Remus on Monday? Help him sort out his things before he has to leave?" Hermione asked, steering the subject back to where it started. "You can come too, Peter? I can grab some food on my way back," Hermione said and gave Peter a kind smile.

"I probably can't on Monday, since I'm starting the apprenticeship and I don't know how long I am supposed to be there…But maybe some other day?" Peter asked hesitantly.

"Sure," Hermione nodded.

"I'll be there on Monday," Sirius said to Remus. "But I won't guarantee I'll stay away from your bedroom, kitten," he added to Hermione with a sly smirk.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.

After dinner, everyone stood up and James and Lily moved all the tables to the sides, leaving a rather large area in the middle of the Great Hall for the dance floor. They conjured a stage for the band along one wall; a set of drums, many guitars, keyboards and other instruments were set upon it. A wizarding rock band called Chasing Quaffles took the stage and started playing, instantly lifting the atmosphere.

As the night went on, Hermione tried to have a quick chat with everyone she was even mildly friendly with, which was everyone else but a handful of Slytherins. She even changed a couple of words with Snape during the evening.

"Dumbledore." Snape drawled as they met at the refreshments table, which was filled with different kinds of drinks; Butterbeers in a large cauldron filled with ice cubes, tumblers with two fingers of Firewhiskey in each, something that looked like jell-o-shots, of which Hermione decided to stay away from, as well as a variety of colourful drinks in potion vials.

"Snape." Hermione replied, taking a bottle of Butterbeer and uncorking it as Snape took a tumbler of Firewhiskey.

He sipped his drink, eyeing her thoughtfully.

"I see your friends haven't yet reached maturity," he said with dislike as he eyed the dance floor. Hermione followed his line of sight and stifled a laugh. James and Sirius were dancing some strange version of the tango on the dance floor, drawing many amused glances at their direction.

Hermione shrugged. His attempts to annoy her seemed to be quite feeble, so perhaps he was only trying to make small talk with her.

"You'll be seeing Lily during the summer?" Hermione asked indifferently as she took a sip from her Butterbeer.

Snape quickly looked around them, making sure no one had heard her. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Yes." He merely said.

"So…Perhaps we'll be seeing you more in the future," Hermione said vaguely, her eyes trained at the dancefloor instead of him. They both knew that if he was going to see Lily, it meant that his allegiance had shifted from one team to the other.

"Perhaps." He said quietly. "Have a nice night, Dumbledore."

With that, he returned to his friends.

Hermione's joy about her breakthrough regarding Snape was short-lived, when Alice came to drag her to the dance floor. They danced wildly for a fast song, and then the band switched into a slow one.

"May I have this dance, milady?" Remus asked with a small bow.

Hermione smiled. "Indeed, you may, good sir," Hermione curtsied, giving him a coy look.

They both chuckled as they began to sway to the music. Remus then glanced at the corner of the Hall and tensed, an uncomfortable look taking over his features.

"What is it?" Hermione asked, turning to look at the same direction. She saw Mary pressed against the wall by Mark McAdams, a seventh year Ravenclaw. They were snogging furiously, barely taking air between what seemed to be a battle of their tongues.

"Oh." Hermione said awkwardly, glancing hesitantly at Remus.

Remus sighed. "I think I'll head to the dorms…" He muttered.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, worrying her lip. It wasn't even that late yet, and everyone was still there.

"Yeah. I mean, I can't even get wasted because of the…you know, the potion, and I really can't be watching this if I'm sober…" He said bitterly, giving a dark look at Mary and Mark, who were oblivious to the others.

"How are you handling it? The potion? The trial?" Hermione asked quietly with worry edged on her face.

Remus shrugged. "Okay, I guess." When Hermione gave him a stern look, he smirked and let out a weary sigh. "I'm scared shitless. What if it won't work? Or what if it will, but then I'm only having three or so incredible months and then it's back to the wretched life I know?" He asked with an excruciating look.

Hermione swallowed hard to rid the lump that had formed in her throat. It was so unfair. He didn't deserve it. She wished she could have helped him somehow, to promise him it would get better. But she really didn't know. She didn't know how long it would take to have the potion in production and available to the public. And what would it cost? She had understood it was quite expensive.

They were both silent for a while, and when Remus stared at Mary again, Hermione spoke to him.

"You know she still has feelings for you?" She said quietly.

Remus took a sharp breath but shook his head. "I don't want to talk about it, Hermione," He muttered and looked away.

"Okay," Hermione said softly, pulling him in a tight hug before he excused himself and left the Great Hall.

Hermione went to the refreshments table to grab another Butterbeer and was stuck in a conversation with two Hufflepuff girls for a while. As the girls left, Hermione spotted Alice and Peter at a table, so she joined them. They were sniggering to something, and when Hermione saw what it was about, she almost snorted her drink through her nose.

Sirius was dancing on the dance floor with James, wearing a frilly black gown, with silver and grey details. His hair was curled and Hermione was quite certain he had some mascara on.

"Wha…I'm…he…" Hermione stuttered to her friends, not capable of formulating a sentence that would suite the situation in front of them.

Finally, Sirius and James came to sit with them, laughing merrily.

Hermione arched an incredulous brow to the boy in the beautiful dress, who had sat beside her and was sipping a Firewhiskey he had brought with him.

"See something you like, kitten?" He asked with a sweet smile, battling his eyelashes.

Hermione suppressed a snort. "Dare I even ask?" She grinned.

Sirius shrugged. "Well, I kinda lost a bet in the beginning of our seventh year…" He explained vaguely.

"And?" Hermione pressed. "What was the bet?"

He grimaced. "You don't want to know, kitten," he said vaguely, glancing around them.

They were alone in their table, as Alice had left to dance with Lily, while James and Peter had gone to get drinks.

"Has it got something to do with the bet where you staked that you'd have sex with me before September ended?" Hermione asked with a grim look on her face.

Sirius flinched. "Shit."

"Mmm." Hermione hummed in agreement.

"Look, Hermione. I…I didn't know you then. When I made the bet." He started to explain, a guilty look on his face while Hermione merely stared at him sternly.

Remus had told her long ago about it, and she wasn't really angry at Sirius, at least not anymore. She had the impression that he didn't care about the bet anymore when they had started dating.

She waved her hand. "Forget it."

"No, let me explain. It…it was the first time I met you, and you know…I was a bit of a prick then..." He said sincerely, and Hermione arched a brow.

"You know what I mean," He muttered, his lips curving into a small smirk. Hermione nodded. "But then I got to know you, and I just…had to have you. And I'm not talking about sex now…It's like, I had never seen or known anyone so perfect. I had to be near you, and I…I wanted you to accept me, to approve of me," He said, taking her hand and stroking her knuckles with his thumb. Hermione gave him a wary look before he continued. "…Because I fell in love with you," He said softly.

Hermione gaped at him, speechless, as her breath caught in her throat. She didn't even know how to respond to something like that. What was he saying? Why would he tell her that, why now? Hermione shivered as she looked into his grey eyes, full of emotion. Tears burned in the backs of her eyes, and she felt angry all of a sudden.

"Hermione…" He whispered, staring at her with an intense look, waiting for her to say something.

"No. No. You can't say things like that to me. Or look at me like that," She said, her voice rising a bit as she tried to swallow the lump from her throat, the tears in her eyes threatening to spill. "I begged you not to leave me, but you did it anyway," She hissed quietly.

Sirius sighed wearily, and she continued, "And then I got over you. I fell for someone else, Sirius." She said and frowned, giving him a disappointed look.

"I know. I'm sorry," Sirius said quietly, clenching his jaw and staring at the table with regret.

There was a tense silence. Suddenly, all Hermione wanted to do was to leave the party and retreat into her quiet dormitory.

"I have to go. I'll see you in the morning," She said eventually, stood up and walked towards the Gryffindor Tower.

June 18th 1978 (Sunday)

The next morning, Hermione woke up early, in an almost empty dormitory. Only Alice was snoring softly in her bed, the gown she had worn last night still on. Hermione lay in her bed for a while, thinking back the previous night. She had come to the dormitory, alone, and stared at the canopy of her four-poster bed for several hours, her mind too full of thoughts to fall asleep. What was Sirius playing at, saying those things to her? Was he still hung up on her? Was he still in love with her? Did he want something more than a friendship from her? It certainly seemed like that when they'd spoken last night…

She sighed, shook away the thoughts of the raven-haired boy and finally stood up, headed towards the bathroom to freshen up and put her last items and belongings into her trunk after getting dressed.

Alice was still sleeping when Hermione left the dormitory, and she briefly wondered where Lily and Mary had gone for the night. Lily was probably with James and Mary with…Mark? …Poor Remus.

Hermione walked towards the Headmaster's office and as she entered, she was greeted by the Prewetts, McGonagall and Dumbledore.

"Good morning, Hermione. I hope this is not too early for you," Dumbledore said brightly.

Hermione smiled. "No, not at all."

Fabian smirked at her as she took a seat next to him. "So, you weren't one of those students who were crawling back to the Tower just now?" He said with a mischievous glint in his eye. Hermione lifted her brows. The boys had actually partied 'til the morning? Dear. God.

"No, thankfully not." Hermione merely said with a look of reproach, and saw McGonagall eyeing her with a pleased look in her eyes.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "We should go through the details regarding our two missions that are taking place during the next days and weeks." He started, gathering everyone's attention.

He nodded at Gideon, who started to recap what they had agreed on during the last month, when Hermione hadn't had the chance to attend their meetings.

"…And, as I said, Fabian and I will take off in the beginning of July, and stay abroad until the end of August." Gideon explained. "We should be able to destroy the diary – if you will be successful obtaining it," He glanced at Hermione, "– before we leave." He said and Hermione nodded.

"Do you have everything you need for the wedding?" Dumbledore asked from Hermione, eyeing her searchingly.

Hermione swallowed. "Yes. I think I have. I'm going to transfigure my appearance and we agreed with Regulus that I'm to be disguised as Gabrielle Demengeot, an attaché of the magical embassy in Paris, who has recently started working there and is merely seeing her distant relatives in England. I don't believe anyone will question it during the wedding, since none of the guests have connections to the embassy, at least that we know of. If someone finds out later on that there is no Gabrielle at the magical embassy, and they decide to question Regulus, he will simply say that he didn't really know me, and that we'd only met a handful of times." Hermione explained, and the others nodded with thoughtful expressions.

"We agreed that if either one of us suspects something, we will both immediately disapparate to Hogsmeade, where Ab can assist us further." She said, hoping it wouldn't come to that. "If everything goes as planned, I will arrive to Hogsmeade alone, with the diary, and we can then proceed to destroy it." She said, trying to calm her shaking nerves.

McGonagall nodded. "Perhaps I could help you with the transfigurations?" She suggested.

Hermione smiled with relief. "Yes, please. I want to be sure that no one recognises me, and there is a risk that my own skills are not sufficient enough," she said with a small smile.

McGonagall's mouth curved slightly. "As your teacher, I daresay they would be enough, but just to make sure, I think it would be best to let me do the transfigurations."

They agreed that McGonagall would meet Hermione at her place on Wednesday noon, and make the necessary changes to her appearance. They also agreed that Dumbledore, McGonagall, Gideon and Fabian would wait for her in the Hog's Head, just in case there would be some complications. From there, they would travel to Letterfearn together and destroy the diary.

Their plans sounded simple as they went through them like that. And Hermione reckoned that perhaps they were. But even so, Hermione was anxious as she stepped into the Great Hall, not being able to fully enjoy her last morning at Hogwarts, since she was stressing over what could go wrong.

She saw Remus, sitting alone at the Gryffindor table. She also spotted two Hufflepuffs and three Ravenclaws sitting at their respective tables. Everyone else was missing.

"Hey," Hermione said with a warm smile as she sat next to Remus.

Remus turned to look at her and smiled. "Good morning."

"Was Lily in your dorm last night?" Hermione asked as she took the cup of coffee Remus had poured her, thanking him with a nod.

Remus smirked. "Yeah, she was there…" he said, scratching his head a bit awkwardly.

Hermione arched a quizzical brow at him.

"Well…I…might've seen a bit…too much of her when she and James came to the dorm last night." He said with a slight cringe.

Hermione snorted. She took a piece of toast and smeared some jam on it. "And Sirius? Peter?" She asked and took a bite of her toast.

Remus chuckled. "They came in just when I was going to the shower…this morning. Actually, now that I think about it, James was with them…He must've left the dorm on some point during the night…" He said thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose they did state earlier that they would party until the morning…" Remus said and shrugged.

Hermione laughed. Of course they did.

They were both quiet for a while, and Remus studied Hermione's features as she stared out from the large windows with a pensive look, nibbling her food absently. The sun was shining brightly, and it probably was going to be another of those warm summer days.

"You okay?" Remus asked quietly.

She sighed. "Yeah…just…Sirius." She muttered, glancing at Remus with a frown.

"Oh?" He said with an unreadable expression.

"Last night, he, um…said that he was in love with me…You know, when we dated." She said quietly, giving Remus a helpless look.

He sighed. "Well, I'm not surprised…I mean, I suspected he was. And, well…maybe he still is," he said, eyeing her carefully.

Hermione's frown deepened. "I don't know what to say…" She huffed exasperatedly.

Remus smiled. "Perhaps you don't have to say anything, at least not now. Maybe you both ought to let it sink in a bit before you have a chat?" He said wisely.

Hermione huffed. "And I'm supposed to, what? Ignore him until that?"

"No. Sirius is not daft. Though he likes to act like he is, sometimes." Remus said with a small grin tugging his lips. "He knows how to read people, better than many other people can, I might say. He'll know when you're ready to talk about it," He said simply.

Hermione heaved a sigh and nodded.

Lily, Alice and Mary finally joined them when Hermione and Remus were nearly finished with their breakfasts. As Lily sat down opposite to Remus, he greeted her cheerfully. The redhead blushed furiously, mumbled something in reply and proceeded to stare at the table in shock. Probably reminiscing last night, Hermione thought and bit back a grin.

"I should go to pack. I'll see you in the common room," Remus said to the girls as he stood up and left the Great Hall.

Mary stared at his furthering back with a sad look in her eyes.

"Mary?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"Hmm?" She replied absently, her thoughts clearly on something – or someone – else.

"Where were you last night?" Hermione asked carefully. "I heard about Lily's little escapade in the boys' dorm, and Allie was in ours when I woke up…" She continued, chuckling when Lily groaned and lowered her forehead to rest agiainst the table.

Alice and Mary both sniggered at their friend.

"I, um…was with Mark…" Mary muttered, wincing slightly.

Hermione wasn't surprised, and gave Mary a nod. "So…are you going to see him again?" She asked curiously.

Mary shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe." She merely said.

"What about Remus?" Lily asked, eyeing Mary with a troubled look.

Mary narrowed her eyes at her teacup. "Well, he left me, didn't he? It's not like I'm waiting for him and not living my life," She said harshly and sighed. "…Even though that's exactly what I'd want to do," She said with a wounded look.

Somehow, Hermione knew exactly how she felt.

The girls understood her, and didn't continue talking about Remus. Instead they grilled her about Mark, and what had happened between them. They wanted details, stat. He had the best arse in Hogwarts, after all.

After breakfast, the girls went to check their dorm for the final time, and then, after dragging the boys – who had been stalling for some reason – with them, the seventh year Gryffindors left the castle together. They didn't travel with the horseless carriages. The graduated students made their final journey away from Hogwarts with boats which would carry them across the Great Lake to the Hogsmeade train station. They were the same boats they had travelled by when they had first arrived at the school. Only now the boats seemed so much smaller. Hagrid advised that no more than two persons were allowed into each boat. How in the name of Merlin had four of them fitted into one in their first year? Hermione thought as she stepped into a boat with Mary. Everyone was silent as they glided over the lake, savouring the images, and dwelling in the memories of everything they had experienced as they took in the last glimpses of the castle.

Finally, they arrived at the train station and stepped into the large red train, the Hogwarts Express. It was their last train ride, and for the first time, they were travelling only with their fellow seventh years. The boys took a couple of compartments, deciding to sleep a few hours after the train had left towards London.

The girls stayed in one compartment. Hermione and Lily sat on one side, their feet on the bench and their backs leaning against the walls, both engrossed in a book. Mary was curled in the corner of the opposite bench, drowsing as Alice was sitting next to her, reading a letter Frank had sent her.

The boys eventually joined the girls in their compartment. James and Remus came to sit with Hermione and Lily, while Sirius and Peter sat next to Mary and Alice. They recollected the previous night and sniggered at Sirius's gown, and how he had asked Snape's hand for a dance, amongst other things. When Alice had asked why it had taken so long for the boys to leave their dorm this morning, the Marauders eyed each other mischievously.

"Well, let's just say that Dumbledore might have some problems to accommodate his next set of seventh year Gryffindors," Sirius said with a wink.

When Lily eyed him sternly, James took her hand in a soothing manner. "It's okay, love. He'll figure it out in no time." James said with a cheerful grin.

"Figure out what, James?" Lily asked warningly.

James sniggered. "Well, we couldn't have left the school without a one last hurrah, eh?" He said, and the boys burst in laughter.

Before they had left towards the boats, the Marauders had somehow managed to seal their dormitory, and after throwing possibly one too many wards and charms on the door, they themselves weren't able to enter anymore. Luckily, they had all their belongings with them as they left the school.

Hermione was avoiding Sirius's gaze and probably vice versa, but of course, as they were sitting several hours in a rather crammed compartment, it was evident that their eyes would meet. As they did, all she could think of, were his words to her the previous night. She was torn, since even though she had gotten over him, there was still something between them. A spark. She couldn't deny that. But that didn't mean she wanted to act on it. She couldn't.

Because she was in love with his brother.

Sirius seemed to guess her line of thought as he looked away after a moment, frowning a bit before schooling his features to the carefree bachelor he was so good at pretending.

Soon everyone was discussing about the summer and their future plans. Mary was going to be working as a secretary in the Administrative Registration Department of the Ministry, starting the next day, and would be working there throughout the summer. If she and Lily were accepted to the Healer training in St Mungo's, they would both be starting there in the beginning of September.

Lily had opted to have a bit of holiday during the summer, although she reckoned that she would probably help his father occasionally at the family business. Otherwise she would focus on moving in with James, and making a home in Godric's Hollow.

James, Sirius and Alice were still waiting for their NEWT results in order to get qualifications to take the Auror entrance exams. If they were successful, and if – when – they would be accepted, the training would start in September.

Alice couldn't wait to have more time with Frank and have some free time, but she also admitted that she'd probably be very busy until the wedding. Sirius and James on the other hand were content on spending the summer lazily, in their new homes, but ready to take part in new adventures with each other and if the opportunity presented itself, causing mischief, to Lily's utter displeasure.

Peter was starting his apprenticeship as an Advanced Rune Translator on Monday morning. Remus explained to everyone that he was going abroad, to spend his summer in Germany with his parents, and would be coming back in the beginning of the fall. He would be starting his English Language and Literature course in the Durham University in October.

Hermione was starting her own apprenticeship in August. But she had many, many things to figure out before that.

Before the train arrived to London, each of them received a letter with a phoenix seal. Hermione already knew what it was about as she tore her letter open.

I would like to invite you into a small get together in the Hog's Head, Hogsmeade, on June 25th, at 8pm.

Albus Dumbledore

When each of them had finished reading their invitations, the letters burst into flames, vanishing in the air. They were invited to join the Order of the Phoenix.

James hastily threw a silencing charm to the door and the group began discussing about next Sunday.

June 19th 1978 (Monday)

On Monday, Hermione had gone to furniture shopping with Lily, meaning to buy only the essentials since she and Remus really didn't have that much money to spend. Remus had brought some of his possessions with him from his parents' home, as had she, thanks to Ab, but those were mainly beds, writing desks and such, which were placed in their own bedrooms in their new home.

She had managed to find a small dining room set – after all, they could always use magic to enlarge it and conjure more chairs if they were entertaining guests – as well as a small couch, suitable for the two of them. Lily had coaxed her to buy a television set, which was rather expensive, but Hermione really missed the telly. She remembered watching her favourite programmes with her parents when she'd been younger. And since their home was in a muggle neighbourhood, it was relatively easy to set up.

Hermione had even managed to settle the delivery for the next day, so they wouldn't have to live in an empty place for long. Hermione and Lily had eaten a late lunch, and after that, Lily had left to her parents' place to pack up her things and prepare to move in Godric's Hollow while James was doing the same at his parents' home.

Sirius and Remus were upstairs when Hermione came home later that day. Home. The thought made her smile.

She walked up the stairs and found Sirius sprawled in Remus's bed, leaning against the headboard and sipping a Butterbeer while Remus was organising his books onto the bookshelf. His room was rather modest; a decent sized bed with red sheets and a single nightstand with a small reading lamp rested against one wall. On the opposite wall, next to the door where Hermione was lingering at, was a bookshelf Remus was now enlarging in order to fit all of his books into it. He had placed his writing desk against one wall next to a wardrobe, and one wall was bare from furniture, with only a large window with a view to the courtyard garden. It was the same view she had in her room.

"Hey guys," Hermione greeted them. Both boys nodded at her.

"Did you find anything?" Remus asked and turned to her, handing her a Butterbeer.

"Thanks. Yeah, I did, actually." She said, recounting her findings to him. Remus seemed satisfied, and Hermione eventually excused herself and went to her own room. She hadn't had the chance to unpack anything but her bed last night from the box Ab had placed with her belongings before they'd left from Hogsmeade station on Sunday. The furniture had been of course charmed with the shrinking charm, as well as the feather-light charm.

"You need help?" Sirius asked, leaning against her doorframe.

Hermione worried her lip. "Um…sure," she said with a shrug.

Sirius nodded and waved his wand at the box, levitating everything from it. "Where do you want these?" He asked and Hermione eyed the room for a moment before she gave him instructions where to place each item before charming them back into their normal size and weight.

Soon her room looked like it had in Hog's Head. She even charmed the walls to be the same dark blue colour, to get more familiarity to the place. She was quite thankful Ab had given her everything from her room in the Hog's Head, so she didn't have to spend that much money on her belongings. When everything but the insides of her trunk was in place, Sirius and Hermione both eyed each other expectantly.

Sirius cleared his throat. "Let's go to Leaky to grab some dinner before Remus has to leave, yeah?" he asked with a small smile.

Hermione nodded, a bit relieved when he wasn't expecting for them to speak about last Saturday. "Okay."

They went to the Leaky Cauldron, and Peter and James joined them as well. It was almost like before the graduation, before Sirius had talked about his feelings, and made everything between them more complicated that it had been. After dinner, Hermione and Remus went back to their home since his portkey was about to set off soon, while the rest of the boys stayed at the pub.

June 21st 1978 (Wednesday)

Hermione woke up early on Wednesday morning, in her new bedroom after a night of tossing and turning. It was odd, waking up alone in the room, when she had been living with roommates for the major part of the last seven years. It was rather lonely. She didn't even have Remus's company, since he had left to Belby's trial in Germany. Hermione lay in her bed for a while and tried to steady her excited and anxious nerves. She was going to meet Regulus today. And she would have to steal a Horcrux, from Malfoy Manor of all places.

Groaning, she stood up, went to shower and to have breakfast. McGonagall would arrive in a couple of hours, and Hermione wanted to arrange their home a bit before that. Their furniture had arrived the day before, and she had managed to put everything but the television set on place last night. Hermione decided to organise the kitchenware she had bought yesterday after figuring that she and Remus needed at least a couple of cups, glasses, plates, utensils and such.

When the kitchen was in order, Hermione conjured a plush carpet in front of the television before she started to set it up. The television was perched atop of a wooden stand she had transfigured from a dining set chair. Their sitting room started to look more homely, and she couldn't wait to go to work so that she could earn some money to spend on their lovely apartment.

After an hour working with the television set, Hermione gave up with a loud huff. Just in time, since the doorbell rang then. Since Remus and Hermione hadn't yet managed to connect their fireplace into the floo-network, the only way of entering their home was walking through the front door. Or apparating, but they had placed rather strong wards around the house, and were still figuring out how to grant access to certain persons to apparate into their home, rather than outside. Hermione went to the door, and let McGonagall in. It was a very, very odd experience, having her old Head of House in her home, making preparations for her to attend a wedding.

Of course, she remembered her manners. "Would you like some tea?" Hermione asked as McGonagall settled down on the couch and eyed the television set with a curious look.

"Yes, please." McGonagall said, turning to look at Hermione with a small smile.

Hermione busied herself with the tea and soon she levitated a small tray into the sitting room, placing it on the coffee table in front of the couch. She poured a cup of tea and passed it to the older witch before pouring herself a cup.

"Thank you," McGonagall said with a tight nod.

They sipped their drinks in silence, before McGonagall cleared her throat. "Is that a television?" She asked, eyeing the device in front of them.

Hermione suppressed a smile. "Oh, yes, it is. Lily implored me to buy it, since they can't really get one for their home in Godric's Hollow." She explained quickly.

McGonagall inclined her head and placed her cup back to the tray. "Shall we begin?" She asked, straightening herself up on the couch.

Hermione chewed the corner of her mouth as she nodded and put her cup away as well.

They both stood up. McGonagall started with her height – she added a couple of inches, nothing too drastic so that Hermione maintained her balance. She transfigured Hermione's hair into light blonde, keeping the same length, but making it a bit softer and not as curly as it had been. McGonagall transfigured Hermione's face as well; her eye colour was switched from brown to blue, her forehead and mouth transfigured a bit smaller, her lips fuller. When Hermione finally glanced at the full-length mirror her old teacher had conjured, she gasped in shock.

"Wow…" She whispered, staring at her new exterior with her blue eyes widened in complete surprise.

McGonagall supressed a smirk. "I think that will do." She said and cast a tempus charm. "You should get ready, it's already half three." She said, gathering her belongings and moving towards the hallway.

"Oh. Yes, I will." Hermione mumbled, following the older witch.

"Good luck, Hermione. I'm sure everything will go fine. Trust yourself. I will." She gave her a warm, reassuring smile. It was so un-McGonagall-ish, that Hermione nearly faltered.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said with a polite smile.

"Minerva." The professor corrected.

Hermione smiled and nodded.

"I'll meet you in the Hog's Head this evening," McGonagall said before she left.

Hermione took a steadying breath. She could do this. She had only an hour or so, before Regulus would arrive. She had sent her address to him through the galleon the day before, and he had replied that he would come to pick her up around half four in the afternoon.

She dashed into her bedroom and applied a small amount of makeup, keeping her look simple. She charmed her hair a bit – it wasn't really that strenuous task, as McGonagall had already charmed her hair into wavy locks. Hermione opted to keep her hair down, and bit her lip as she stared at the dress she had bought yesterday when she'd been shopping, the dress that she'd hung on the coat rack in the hall – from which McGonagall had presumably drawn inspiration to Hermione's transfigured eyes. The gown was the same, steel blue colour as her eyes now were, styled for a Greek goddess.

The high-neck bodice was lace, and the rest of it, the sweeping mesh skirt, descended beautifully down to her toes. There was no back to speak of, and her back was bared to just above the crack of her bum in a V-cut. It was perhaps a risqué thing to wear into a pureblood wedding, so she had decided to accompany the dress with a simple shawl.

Hermione sat waiting on her sitting room couch, her feet crossed and her ankle dangling nervously. She had put on a pair of black heels the girls had gifted her, which she had transfigured a bit, along with her beaded bag, to make them more suitable for the dress.

A knock at the door made her breath catch in her throat. She stood up, trying to calm herself again before she marched to the hall and opened the door.

He was there. Regulus. And he was frowning at her. Searching for something.

"May I come in?" He asked finally, glancing around him at the street.

Hermione blinked. "Oh. Yes, of course." She moved slightly to give him enough space to enter the house.

Once the door was closed, Regulus stared at her quietly with a longing look in his eyes. "You look beautiful, Hermione," He said softly.

She laughed. "Even though I'm not Hermione? At least, I hope no one will recognise me as Hermione," She muttered.

A smile tugged at his lips. "I would recognise you even if I was blind," He merely said.

Her heart fluttered. Why was he saying things like that?

"I mean…Your voice hasn't changed," He said after clearing his throat.

Her mouth curved a bit. "No, but I suppose no one there knows how I sound?" She said and moved towards the sitting room, gesturing for him to follow her.

He did, and his eyes studied the place as he walked behind her, finally landing on her.

"Nice place." He muttered.

"Thank you. The bedrooms are upstairs, as well as the bathroom, and everything else is here." She explained, hoping that she wasn't rambling too much.

He nodded. "You want to go through the plan one more time?" He asked and sat down on the couch, eyeing her with an unreadable expression.

"Sure." She said, and sat down next to him. "So, um…I'll go to the library when the speeches start? You're going to make one as well?" She asked, remembering he'd said that he was required to make a speech as the deputy Head of House Black, since his father was too ill to attend the wedding.

"Yeah. And if that fails, you just use any other chance you get, right?" He asked, frowning a bit.

Hermione nodded.

"And you know your way to the library?" He asked, even though he knew she would. They had gone over the floorplan of the Malfoy Manor several times when they had planned the mission in the Room of Requirement. He had once even asked the room to change to the Malfoy Manor. Hermione flinched as she remembered the terror she had felt when she had seen the drawing room where she had been tortured. But she reckoned that it had helped, visiting the horrid place with someone she trusted.

They talked about the timeline of the wedding before it was almost five in the afternoon. Regulus then pulled a silver envelope from his robes, with beautiful black script written across the front of it and the Malfoy family crest in the corner.

"It's a portkey." He said, holding the envelope in front of her.

Hermione eyed it and took a deep breath to steady herself. "Okay. I'm ready." She said, staring deep into his eyes and took a hold of the envelope, her fingers brushing his as they waited for the portkey to activate. Hermione shivered and her breathing quickened a bit.

"Just stay calm, love." Regulus whispered right before the familiar tug behind her navel came.

"What was that?" She asked as they landed outside of Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire.

"What?" He asked, staring ahead with a blank look.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "What you said to me before we left," she said weakly.

He shook his head. "Nothing."

Hermione sighed. They were silent as they walked through the gates after the invitation had granted them access through the wards, and along the path leading to the grand manor ahead of them. The daunting building brought back the unwanted memories of her torture, so she tried to focus on something else.

"So much fire," Hermione muttered quietly as they neared the Manor. The gardens and the pathway were decorated with several small bell fires and candles.

"Well, it is Summer Solstice. The rituals are to honour the Sun gods, the Divine Light and the element of fire," Regulus said simply.

Hermione glanced at him. "I know," she said.

A smile tugged at his lips. "Okay. Then you probably know that this time is also thought as sacred to Juno, the wife of Jupiter and goddess of women and childbirth. Juno blesses women with the privilege of menstruation," Regulus went on indifferently, while Hermione scrunched up her nose to him. "The month of June was named for her, and because Juno is the patroness of marriage, the month is a popular time for weddings," He said, smirking at her reaction.

They finally stepped inside the Manor and made their way towards the large ballroom where the Malfoys, as well as Narcissa's parents were waiting to greet the incoming quests. Abraxas Malfoy bowed politely to Regulus and Hermione.

"Mr. Black, you are looking well," Mr. Malfoy said with a smile that did not reach his cold eyes.

"Not quite as well as you, sir. This will be a grand day for the Malfoys, as well as the Blacks, of course," Regulus replied politely, an emotionless expression on his face.

Mr. Malfoy nodded in agreement. "And who might this be?" He asked, shifting his cold eyes to Hermione, subtly leering at her from head to toe. Hermione grew very uncomfortable under his gaze.

"This is the beautiful Miss Gabrielle Demengeot. She is an attaché of the Magical Embassy in Paris, currently meeting her distant relatives here in England. And my date for the night." Regulus said simply.

Mr. Malfoy lifted his brows a bit, but Hermione was fairly certain he had only heard her name, since he was ogling her with an enthralled look in his eyes.

"Enchanté," Mr. Malfoy said and swept her hand in his, placing a feathery light kiss on the back of her hand. Hermione tried not to shiver, as a carbon copy of the Lucius Malfoy she knew from the future was touching her. She greeted him back as politely as she could and followed Regulus to greet Lady Malfoy.

The woman narrowed her eyes at Hermione, but shook her hand politely. They moved to greet Regulus's uncle and aunt, and for some reason, Hermione was even more anxious to meet them than she was meeting the Malfoys. Apparently, Regulus was nervous as well. Even though his face showed no emotions, Hermione could see small changes in his demeanour; the tightness in his jaw, the tension in his back, and the small lift in his shoulders.

"Good to see you, nephew. It is unfortunate that my sister or my brother-in-law weren't able to join us," Cygnus Black said with an obscure look, his eyes flickering to Hermione before moving back to Regulus. His mouth curved a bit. "A foreigner?" Cygnus drawled, his eyes drilling into Regulus's.

Regulus was silent for a while before he replied. "Yes."

Cygnus let out a small laugh, which sounded very much like Sirius's in Hermione's opinion. "Well then, why don't you introduce us, dear nephew?" He asked, a challenging look flashing in his eyes.

Hermione could see Regulus swallowing before he cleared his throat. "Certainly. This is Miss Gabrielle Demengeot, uncle," Regulus said and glanced at Hermione.

She could see a hint of worry in his eyes. Hermione bit her tongue to calm herself. Cygnus was going to read her mind; there was no doubt about it. Or he would try, at least.

Cygnus greeted her politely, took her hand and bowed over it, holding it slightly longer than was proper as he straightened his back and stared into Hermione's eyes. Hermione replied cordially, forcing her mind to stay clear and instead tried to think of some imaginary memories that suited her cover story. She could feel him probing her mind, but she did not look away. After a short moment, Cygnus dropped her hand and flashed her a smile.

"You are most welcome," He said charmingly and turned to nod at Regulus.

After greeting Regulus's aunt, Druella Black, the two finally moved forward into the ballroom, where the other guests were mingling amongst each other, waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin.

"Merlin…that was…" Hermione whispered, swallowing hard. It had been a close call, since they hadn't been prepared for someone performing Legilimency on them.

"Yeah," Regulus breathed nervously, gritting his teeth while he steered her towards the bar. "I need a drink," he muttered, his fingers pressing against the small of her back.

Hermione arched a brow at him but said nothing. She tried not to think about the warm feeling in her stomach his touch caused.

A moment later they sipped their drinks as they observed the gathering crowd, and Hermione could tell there wasn't a single Muggleborn in the midst of the Wizarding families, Wizengamot members and Ministry officials. Soon everyone started to move towards the garden to take their places on the rows and rows of chairs, which signified that the ceremony was about to start.

Hermione and Regulus sat amongst the others and watched the ceremony, where the bride and groom gave their wedding vows to one another, and thus were bonded for life.

As Hermione was tapping her foot restlessly on the soft grass, her thoughts whirling in the mission, thinking of the route to the library as well as her escape plan, Regulus took her hand and ran a thumb softly across her knuckles. Hermione stiffened, and just like that she was only able to think of the tingling in the spot he had stroked. She didn't dare to glance at him, but she could hear him let out a soft sigh.

When the ceremony was over, the minister, who had bonded the couple, left from the front. There was a polite applause and then all the guests stood up, forming a line to give their congratulations. Servants started to walk around the guests, carrying flutes of champagne on silver trays.

After everyone had briefly complimented the couple, the guests moved back inside into the ballroom where round tables had been set up for the reception. One by one, the guests sat down, all except Hermione, who lingered back so that she could sneak away when the first speech would start. She hoped to Merlin no one would notice her.

A moment later she slipped away from the ballroom and ducked in a dark alcove in the hallway. Hermione searched through her purse for a bit, finally finding what she was looking for, and pulled out the Invisibility cloak. She threw it on hastily, and made her way through the polished halls towards the second floor of the Manor. She didn't see anyone in her way, which she was glad of.

Finally, she walked quietly through the library doors and after making sure no one was there, she took off the cloak and put it back into her purse. She took in the view in front of her, gazing in wonder at the impressive and luxurious room. Ancient, rare volumes surrounded her in tall bookshelves that were covering every wall. It was a paradise for someone like her. Or so she thought as she eyed the spines of endless rows of books.

Hermione shook her head slightly and focused on the mission, walking past several shelves which were filled with dark and unique books she knew she was better to steer clear from. But no Horcrux.

Time passed, and she was beginning to feel anxious. Someone was bound to find her soon. How in the name of Merlin was she supposed to find the diary amongst all of these books?

Why couldn't it be as easy as a flick of her wand? She thought bitterly, but then halted. Wait…

What if it could be summoned? Could it be that easy, though?

"Oh, sod it…" She whispered and lifted her wand.

"Accio Riddle's Diary!" She called quietly and a book instantly came soaring into her outstretched hand.

Hermione was dumbfounded for a moment, staring at the book and screaming inside her head how could she NOT have thought about it right away. She quickly tucked the book into her purse, and shook her head in annoyance.

Regulus slipped into the library just then, making her gasp in surprise.

"It's okay, it's just me," He said quietly, approaching her. "Did you find what you were looking for?" He asked, eyeing her anxiously.

Hermione let out a deep breath. "Yes, I did. Let's just get out of here, okay?" She whispered, not wanting to spend a moment longer in the Manor.

"Yeah, okay." He nodded and turned, but stopped abruptly, making Hermione collide against him.

"What – "

"Someone's coming!" He hissed, and turned towards her.

His eyes swept over her, and he clenched his jaw. Hermione's eyes widened with fear, and she had no time to think or to say anything, before he acted. Just as they heard footsteps outside the library, Regulus shoved her roughly against the nearest bookshelf and crushed his lips against hers.

Hermione froze in place. Regulus was kissing her. Thoroughly snogging her, with his hands travelling along her sides, sending shivers down her body. Hermione was stunned for a moment, before she realised. He was using the kiss as their cover. She let out a soft breath and kissed him back, her hands sliding into his soft black locks, pulling him closer to her.

Regulus made a surprised sound but didn't stop devouring her lips while his hands trailed from her waist onto her back, his fingers skimming the bare skin there. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, sliding in easily and plundering her mouth. Hermione whimpered and arched against him, her grip in his hair tightening, making him groan against her lips.

His hands grazed over her hips and trailed lower, and then he lifted her thigh to rest against his leg, his other hand sliding down over the curve of her bum, pulling her closer, all the while ravishing her mouth. Hermione writhed against him as she felt his hardness against her core, and another groan escaped from his lips.

The door opened.

"What is the meaning of this?" A cold voice of none other than Lucius Malfoy demanded.

Hermione and Regulus jumped apart, both staring at Malfoy with wide eyes, a flush creeping down both of their necks. Malfoy took in their rumpled state, and then he was looking closely at Hermione; her rapidly heaving chest, her swollen, thoroughly kissed lips before he grinned maliciously at Regulus.

"Couldn't wait to get her home, Black? Or are you sneaking up here because you are not going to introduce her to the family in Grimmauld Place? Is she your dirty little secret?" He asked with a dangerous look in his eyes.

Something cold went down Hermione's spine and she actually flinched at the comment.

"I personally don't blame you. I mean I might be married now but look at her! What a wanton little witch you've got there..." he said and gave her a nasty look as he spoke to Regulus, as if she wasn't even there.

Hermione suppressed a sneer.

Hermione could practically feel Regulus gritting his teeth next to her. "You know how it is, Malfoy, when there's something you want, you just can't wait to have it. And my girl here just loves her books...Please excuse us," He said coolly and took Hermione's arm and led her away from the library, towards the gardens, that were now empty of guests.

As they reached a scattering of trees well away from the Manor, Regulus regarded her for a moment, swallowing hard. Hermione watched as his throat bobbed and he seemed to struggle with something. They both knew the kiss wasn't just a decoy.

"I think you should go now." He eventually said.

Hermione's face fell. "Yes, um, sure," She replied in confusion and averted her eyes from him, trying not to be hurt by his words.

"Hermione…" Regulus murmured and when she looked at him, she saw him looking at her with a pained expression. She knew how he felt.

Regulus took a step closer to her and pushed a tendril of hair away from her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. His fingertips remained on the hollow below her ear, and he absentmindedly brushed his thumb over her cheek.

Hermione tilted her head to lean into his hand and studied him for a moment. "I know. I understand. Maybe…when all this is over, maybe when we are older…" She whispered and let out a weary sigh.

"Or maybe it just wasn't meant to happen…" She whispered, biting back a sob.

Regulus took a sharp breath but remained silent.

"I…I just can't sit at home and wait for it. You know?" She said, staring at him with a pleading look.

Regulus said nothing and merely clenched his jaw, a suffering look taking over his beautiful face as he nodded to her.

Hermione swallowed hard and took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll go now. Take care, Reg," she said, leaned closer to him and lowered her hand against his chest hesitantly.

He didn't move, only stared at her with that pained look, the muscles in his jaw and throat working. She closed the distance between them and placed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips. Regulus's eyes fluttered shut.

Hermione took a step back, turned around and walked away from him. After she crossed over the wards, she disapparated.

Regulus watched her leave him, but she did not look back once.

A few hours later, Regulus sat on a bench in the back of the gardens outside Malfoy Manor. He was sipping Firewhiskey from a tumbler, and had already lost count of how many drinks he had consumed. It was better that way, numbing him from the pain he was surely going to experience later that night. It was the Summer Solstice. The night he was going to take the mark.

In the front of the garden, people were laughing and having a great time. And why wouldn't they? It was a wedding, after all. He continued to drink, swallowing the last of the contents with a large gulp before placing the empty glass on the small table beside him.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Regulus tensed slightly, his grey eyes turning to meet the woman approaching him. He lifted his chin at the young woman that stood before him. "Bella."

Her black hair was as thick and shiny as his was, and she shared the sharp, angular features that were a Black family trait.

"Little cousin," she greeted with a devious smile. "All grown up, are we?"

Regulus narrowed his eyes at her. "What do you want, Bella? I'm really not in a mood for small talk, no offence cousin—"

Bellatrix laughed. "What's got you so moody, my sweet Regulus? Don't say you had a thing for my dear sister, eh? Well, she's taken now." She smirked.

Regulus suppressed a shudder. Marrying one's cousin was not something he fantasised about.

"Or are you depressed that the filthy blood-traitor of a brother of yours is not here with you, hmm?" She taunted.

Regulus thought that that was a bit thick coming from her, since she also had a blood-traitor for a sibling. He gave her a dry look. "Isn't that the pot calling kettle black? What about Andromeda?" He couldn't resist saying it aloud.

"That bitch is not a sister of mine anymore. Don't you dare speaking her name to me!" Bellatrix snapped furiously.

"You are not having any second thoughts on anything, are you? About tonight?" Bellatrix took his arm and clung to it, digging her nails into his forearm as though she was sending a message.

Regulus merely stared at her with an expressionless face, gritting his teeth against the pain.

"You know I can have that pathetic brother of yours sent to the gallows in the most horrid way possible if necessary…" she said softly, eyeing carefully his reaction.

Regulus swallowed. He knew someone would hurt Sirius if he didn't do what was expected from him, even though he had tried to make it seem as if he didn't care about his brother anymore. Clearing his throat, he said coolly, "That is not necessary."

Bellatrix looked at him again with a vicious grin, "Remember, Regulus. You are the heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. Toujours Pur, cousin."

"Toujours Pur," Regulus replied quietly.

Hermione arrived into Hogsmeade apparition point and walked towards the Hog's Head. The pub was closed, and she waved her wand to dismantle the wards before she opened the door.

As she walked in, she saw Gideon and Fabian standing in the middle of the pub, their wands drawn, while McGonagall, Dumbledore and Ab were standing next to a table, their wands at the ready as well.

"Hey," Hermione said, eyeing everyone. Both Gideon and Fabian eyed her disguise with interest.

"I believe security questions are in order," Gideon muttered, looking at her warily.

Hermione arched a brow at him. "I could've easily tortured the information from someone. But, okay. What did you do that one night in October, your final year at Hogwarts, in the Transfiguration classroom?" Hermione asked with a knowing smirk.

Gideon's eyes widened, and he spluttered incoherently. McGonagall eyed him curiously, clearly trying to remember the incident before she waved her wand at Hermione, untransfiguring her back to the way she was. Fabian sniggered at his brother.

Gideon finally collected himself. "Fine." He said harshly to Hermione, sending a glare at his brother.

Dumbledore, Ab and McGonagall all eyed their discussion with subtle smiles.

"Were you successful?" Dumbledore asked, his expression turning serious.

Hermione nodded, pulling the diary from her purse and placing it on the table.

Fabian whooped and grabbed her into a crushing hug, lifting her up and laughing as Hermione screamed in surprise. Gideon shook his head in exasperation and when his brother released her, Gideon patted Hermione on the shoulder.

"Well done," He said with a sincere smile.

Hermione smiled back and they all gathered around the table. Ab retreated to the bar, while the others stared at the small diary with wary looks.

"By the way, how do we know it's the one?" Fabian asked unsurely.

Dumbledore frowned a bit. "We test it."

Hermione whirled to look at him in bewilderment. "It could be dangerous. What if he has some connection to it?" Hermione asked, worrying her lip.

Dumbledore eyed her thoughtfully. "I assume that Voldemort doesn't have a connection to his Horcruxes, since he has been oblivious to the destruction of the Gaunt ring," he said matter-of-factly.

He opened the book and pulled a feather quill from his robes and handed it to her.

Hermione took the quill, her hand shaking as she put the tip against the blank page and wrote, "My name is Hermione."

Her handwriting was visible only for a moment, before it vanished, as if the ink was sucked into the page.

"Hello, Hermione. My name is Tom Riddle. May I inquire who gave you my diary?"

"Good Godric," McGonagall muttered, eyeing the vanishing ink in shock.

Dumbledore hummed. "I believe this is the one. I suggest we do not write on it anymore, and move on to destroy it immediately. Thank you, Hermione," He said and closed the book, putting the diary and the quill into his robes.

They agreed to leave at once, and meet in Letterfearn. McGonagall and Dumbledore disapparated, as did Gideon and Fabian. Hermione lingered a bit, as she wanted to say goodbye to Ab. She approached the bar where he was scrubbing the counter with a filthy rag.

"Hey Ab," Hermione said hesitantly.

He lifted his eyes and stared at her for a moment. "Hey. You look stunning, Hermione." He grumbled and gave her a small smile.

"Thank you."

"Is everything okay?" He asked, frowning slightly as he studied her appearance.

Trust him to notice…Hermione thought before she nodded. "Yes, of course." She said, looking down.

Ab eyed her suspiciously but nodded. "And how are you settling down in your new place?" He asked gruffly.

Hermione shrugged. "Okay, I guess. It's a bit lonely, but…well, luckily I have all the extracurricular activities to keep me busy…" She said and laughed quietly.

Ab huffed. "I argued with Albus, you know, to not let you in…"

Hermione smiled. "I assumed as much. But I'll still see you on Sunday."

"Yes, unfortunately." He grumbled.

Hermione shook her head while she smiled at him. She knew Ab was only trying to protect her, not wanting her to join the Order. Somewhere along the way, he had come to mean something more to her, he was like a family member perhaps, and she reckoned the feeling was mutual.

Hermione gave him a final glance over her shoulder, turning on the spot. She appeared into McGonagall's sitting room in Letterfearn, where the others were waiting.

Two down. Three to go, Hermione thought as she walked towards the cave with the others.